Netflix’s Joey Chestnut vs. Kobayashi Hot Dog Contest: We Have a Winner

Nothing beats the human drama of competitive eating. A classic rivalry was reignited today as Netflix hosted a live hot-dog-eating contest featuring two legends of the sport. The outcome was record-breaking.

Joey Chestnut triumphed over Takeru Kobayashi in the streamer’s Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef, devouring an unprecedented 83 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes. Kobayashi managed to down 66 in the same period. The previous world record stood at 76.

For his victory, Chestnut earned a $100,000 prize. This marked the first meeting between the two fierce competitors in 15 years.

“I’ve been striving to hit 80 hot dogs for years, and it was only with Kobayashi’s competition that I finally achieved it,” Chestnut said. “He motivates me. Our relationship hasn’t always been smooth, but I love how we push each other to reach new heights.”

Netflix announced the competition in June, just a day after Chestnut was banned from the famous Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he had dominated for years. His ban stemmed from a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based brand, which did not sit well with the brass at Major League Eating, the organization behind Nathan’s event.

Chestnut had secured the prestigious Mustard Belt—awarded to the July 4th hot dog eating champion on ESPN—for eight consecutive years and 16 out of the past 17 years. He was dethroned only once, in 2015, by Matt Stonie.

Chestnut’s career in competitive eating and endorsements has earned him an estimated $250,000 to $500,000 annually. He also markets his own line of condiments designed for hot dogs, brats, sausages, wings, and sandwiches.